Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Some of these women will be told that lump they've found is non-invasive - or "in situ"(in-site-u).

Radiologist Mary Kay Peterson explains that the term "in situ" means that a cancer remains confined and that it hasn't invaded surrounding tissues or spread to other organs in the body.

Dr. Peterson says that about 20% of new breast cancer cases will be confined to the ducts; and nearly all women diagnosed at this early stage can be cured. "The cure rates for carcinoma in situ just by the mere fact that its pre cancerous in it and of itself just means that you'll just have a better survival."

Dr. Peterson also says that most cysts will simply go away on their own but doctors like to follow their progress to be sure that no premature signs of cancer are present. "With mammography and prevention self exam physician exam annual mammography after the age of 40 our goal as care givers is to find in situ cancer so that the survival rate of an early caught breast cancer would 97 98 percent at 5 years and I have to tell you that were able to achieve that."

While "in situ" cancers typically don't spread; they can raise your risk for more serious, invasive cancer, and should be addressed by your doctor.

On March 31st there will be a Junior Pro-Am Tennis Benefit at the Bonita Bay Tennis Club to raise money for breast cancer. If you are a student between the ages of 10-15 and would like to enter please call 239-482-1195.